Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/387

386 Later he poetized his client, taking his name. The nom-de-plume became popular; and at the present time the Poet is best known to literature under the name of Joaquin Miller. In 1863, he edited the "Democratic Register," in Eugene, Oregon, which was suppressed for disloyalty. While editor, he was married to Miss Minnie Dyer, of Gold Beach, who became famous in Oregon literary circles as Minnie Myrtle Miller. She produced a marked change in the character and writings of her husband. That delicate and refined love for the beautiful and that sympathy for the erring and unfortunate which characterize his writings must be admitted to date from his marriage. The Poet said: "That which is best in my works was inspired by her."

Miller moved to Canyon City, in Eastern Oregon, where he wrote poetry, served as County Judge and practiced law. In 1868 he published "Specimens;" and in 1869, "Joaquin, Et Al." Believing that he could find a better market for his publications in Europe than in America, he went to London in 1870. Then the "Songs of the Sierras" which were written before he left Oregon, appeared in England and in Boston simultaneously. "His originality, freshness of style, vigor of thought and expression were greeted with applause; and Englishmen hailed him as the "American Byron." Upon returning to America he did journalistic work in Washington, D. C., until the autumn of 1887, when he removed to Oakland, California, and remained until his death which took place February 17, 1913.